Following rigorous testing at the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) in Neerabup, Western Australia, an upgrade to a new generation battery pack and the installation of a larger drive motor, MacLean Engineering is officially opening the sales book for its ML5 Multi-Lift Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in Australia.
The ML5 Multi-Lift is designed to provide a safe, certified elevated work platform (EWP) for the installation of services up to 6.5 m heights with a safe working load (SWL) of 2,260 kg. The product suite is a purpose-built alternative to the use of integrated tool carriers (ITs) in underground operations across Australia.
An ISO coupler on the boom allows for interchangeability of baskets and attachments, depending on job requirements. Notably, the ML5 work basket duplicates the cab controls, with joysticks and the HMI safely positioned in the basket, providing complete machine control.
Following this testing, the battery-electric version is now fitted with a third generation 134 kWh battery, plus that new drive motor, Jari Tuorila, Vice-President, Australasia, says.
Patrick Marshall, Vice-President, Technology, for MacLean, said: “Right now, the ML5 is the safest multi-purpose boom lift and elevated work platform in underground mining. While the ML5 is available with a conventional diesel drivetrain, the battery-electric version of the ML5 will assist mining companies and contractors achieve Real Zero with their emissions targets.
“The ML5 is safe for the mineworkers and good for the planet.”
Tuorila says the ML5 has a range of attachments that eliminate heavy lifting and reaching, and, with ground-level servicing and swing out wings for access, there is greatly reduced exposure to hazards.
He added: “It can be used as an elevated work platform, forklift, or materials handler with jib crane attachment. The new, industry-leading design – where the vehicle controls and HMI are in the basket – makes the ML5 safer than uncertified EWP designs. By enabling all vehicle control from the basket, an operator is not required in the cab of the vehicle, allowing mining operations to optimise their task resourcing.
“Additionally, with the ML5 joining the MacLean EV Series of underground BEV vehicles that don’t produce diesel fumes, the normally high cost of ventilation can potentially be reduced.
“The vehicle is so good; it is a market disruptor.”
Marshall says MacLean is targeting Australian mining companies and contractors, particularly those in iron ore, copper, nickel, gold, lithium and other critical minerals, with this platform.
“We want to work with ambitious and innovative companies that want to genuinely reduce carbon footprints and improve safety in harsh mining conditions,” he says.
Peter Black, Technical Sales Manager for MacLean, said: “The ML5 is the latest in MacLean’s whole new 5 Series range of high-performance mining vehicles all of which are optionally available as a BEV zero-emission builds. Just as any MacLean equipment built for underground use, it boosts safety, cuts costs, and supports a safer and cleaner, more sustainable mining future.”
Tuorila added: “With an expanding customer base and product range – and with launching a surface mining product range with the new GR8 BEV Grader to Fortescue – we are fast growing our Perth workshop and warehousing space to continue our commitment to local service and support.”
Globally, over 100 MacLean BEVs have been sold by the company, and the BEV fleet has now amassed over 500,000 operating hours in operating mines.
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